Businesses owe safety to their employees and quality to their clients. To enhance security, many companies require pre-employment drug testing during the hiring process. By mandating screenings, you'll protect your business, improve productivity, and prevent accidents and litigation. 

What Are the Benefits of Pre-Employment Drug Testing?

Effective Deterrence

The hiring process can be a long one, with many qualified candidates. Most small business owners don't have the time to spend combing through applicants. With mandatory drug testing, candidates that have existing substance use disorders won't apply for the position. Instead, you'll be able to choose from a streamlined list of more reliable applicants. 

Reduced Turnover

Drug users are often prone to absenteeism and may not execute their duties effectively, reducing productivity. Business owners then have to spend more time finding a replacement and training them. By drug testing candidates, companies are more likely to hire capable and long-term employees. 

Improved Safety

Businesses must provide a safe working environment. If an employee is under the influence of drugs or alcohol, they increase the likelihood of accidents. Injured staff members can hold the company responsible through a workers' compensation claim. If approved, the claim can cost the business money and increase their insurance rates. 

Secured Funding 

Some small businesses obtain government funding. To maintain their eligibility, they have to adhere to the Drug-Free Workplace Act. If the agreement is breached during the contract's life, businesses will lose their eligibility, cutting off a potentially vital income source. 

What Are Some Common Types of Pre-Employment Drug Testing?

Urinalysis 

Urine tests are the most commonly used for pre-employment screenings. A urinalysis will show the presence of drug residue in the body after the effects have worn off. Standard urine tests will detect marijuana, amphetamines, methamphetamines, cocaine, and opiates. 

Blood 

Blood testing measures the amount of drugs or alcohol in a candidate's system when the blood is drawn. The test detects the same drugs as a urinalysis, but it has an extra benefit. Some users will ingest adulterants to create a false negative, covering their abuse. Blood tests distinguish and report the presence of these substances. 

Saliva

Saliva tests are the least invasive and time-intensive. A technician will use a cotton swab to collect oral fluids from the applicant's mouth. If they have ingested illicit substances within the last several days, the test will detect them. 

Hair

Hair tests are comprehensive and able to detect drug use within the last 90 days. While the tests don't detect alcohol, they will detect the same drugs as the previous tests, along with the presence of phenylcyclohexyl piperidine (PCP). 

 

In three days or less, US Compliance Consortium, Inc. provides lab results that are 99% accurate. USCCI also offers training programs so that managers can detect signs of substance abuse in employees. For 30 years, their staff has helped companies comply with Department of Transportation (DOT) mandates. During the pandemic, they've added COVID-19 antibody testing, so residents of Phoenix, AZ, can remain safe. For more information on their services, visit their website. To schedule an appointment, call them at (602) 765-2200.